Exclusionary Rule Summary

The title of Chapter 2 is "Criminal Courts, Pretrial Processes, and the Exclusionary Rule." The chapter begins with a description of the structure of the U.S. court system, which is a dual court system. A dual court system means that there are both federal- and state-level courts who operate within their own jurisdictions. The United States District Court is the trial court for the federal system. There are ninety-four district courts in the U.S., with each state having at least one. The United States Circuit Court of Appeals are appellate courts that review decisions made in the district courts. There are thirteen circuit courts located in the U.S. The highest court at the federal level is the Supreme Court, who has the final say in all decisions of law. Each state's court system varies but is usually structured into courts of limited jurisdiction and higher courts of general jurisdiction.

Prosecutors have lots of discretion when it comes to deciding whether or not to charge people. Next, he or she makes an initial appearance before a magistrate. At this time, decisions regarding bail are also made. Sometimes—but not always—the next step is for the defendant to appear at a preliminary hearing, where it is decided whether or not probable cause exists that the defendant committed the crime he or she is charged with. Next, a grand jury hears the state's evidence on the case and may or may not bring back an indictment against the defendant. Then, the defendant has to formally plead guilty, not guilty, or insane at an arraignment. At this point, there may be a plea agreement, which avoids having to take the case to